What Is A Smash Burger?

December 18, 2024

A Smashburger isn’t just a burger—it’s the ultimate transformation of beef from ordinary to extraordinary. Here’s the secret: we press a ball of fresh, never-frozen beef onto a sizzling-hot griddle, creating that golden, crispy crust that other burgers only dream about.

This magical moment (thank you, Maillard reaction!) locks in the juiciness while delivering an outside sear that’s pure perfection. The result? A burger that’s bolder, beefier, and juicier than anything else out there. Basic burgers, take notes.

Smash Burger History

The smash burger didn’t come out of nowhere—it has roots going back to the early 1900s, especially in the Midwest. Diners and drive-ins figured out that smashing ground beef onto hot griddles gave the burgers an insane flavor and crispy texture that brought customers back for more. What started as a way to quickly crank out burgers with flavor-packed edges turned into a cult-favorite cooking method.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and smash burgers blew up again thanks to chains like Smashburger, which took the nostalgic “smash” method and made it famous. By bringing back that old-school sear and sizzle, Smashburger reintroduced the technique to a new generation, turning the smash burger into an American icon with their gourmet smash burgers.

What Makes a Smash Burger a Smash Burger?

What makes a Smashburger unforgettable isn’t just the technique—it’s extra effort that equals extra flavor. Here’s what makes it legendary:

Smash & Sear: Pressing a beef patty onto a blazing-hot griddle creates maximum contact, delivering that golden-brown, crispy crust packed with flavor.
Thin Patties: Designed for perfection, thin patties bring the ultimate balance of crispy edges and a juicy, flavorful center in every bite.
Quick Sizzle: High heat means fast cooking, locking in the juices and dialing up the beefy goodness to its fullest potential.
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—that’s the Smashburger magic

Smash Burger vs Regular Burger: Think All Burgers Are the Same? You’re Wrong

Smashburgers don’t just rewrite the burger rulebook—they throw it out entirely. Here’s what sets them apart from the pack:

The Press: We’re not just flipping burgers here. Smashburgers are umm, smashed (duh) onto the griddle to create that signature crispy crust you can’t resist.
The Size: Thick, uniform patties? Not here. Smashburgers are smashed thin, cooking fast and delivering those crave-worthy edges.
The Flavor: Thanks to the blazing-hot griddle and quick sear, smashburgers pack a bolder, beefier bite every time. While traditional burgers have a softer texture, Smashburgers are all about that intense, caramelized crust.

How to Make a Smash Burger at Home

Want to bring the smash burger vibe home? It’s simple if you’ve got the right setup. Start with quality ground beef (80/20 is the sweet spot) and roll it into loose balls—don’t pack them too tight or they’ll lose that juicy vibe. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle until it’s smoking hot.

Once it’s ready, toss each beef ball on the skillet and press it down with a sturdy spatula until it’s about a quarter-inch thick. Let it cook for around two minutes to get that golden-brown crust, then hit it with some salt and pepper, flip, and cook for just another minute or two. Toss it on a toasted bun with cheese, sauce, and whatever toppings get you hyped.

Must-Have Tools for the Perfect Smash Burger

If you’re ready to nail the perfect smash, here’s your must-have lineup:

Cast-Iron Skillet: For that epic sear, you need serious heat retention—and nothing beats cast iron.
Burger Press or Heavy Spatula: This is where the magic happens. Put your back into it for that max crispy crust.
Sharp, Thin Spatula: The key to flipping perfection. Glide under the patty without sacrificing a single crispy edge.

Gear up, and get ready to smash like a pro.

Smash But Make it Next Level

When it comes to Smashburgers, we don’t believe in just one way to do it. Here are three ways to turn that epic crust and juicy center into something even bolder:

BBQ Bacon Smashburger: Certified Angus Beef®, aged cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon, crispy fried onions, tangy BBQ sauce, all on a butter-toasted bun. Smoky, savory, and straight-up satisfying.
Double All-American Smashburger: Two patties stacked with melted cheese in between. More crispy edges. More flavor. More everything.
Truffle Mushroom Smashburger: Certified Angus Beef®, sautéed crimini mushrooms, aged Swiss, and truffle mayo on a butter-toasted bun. Rich, earthy, and unapologetically fancy.

These aren’t just burgers—they’re Smashburgers with the flavor dialed all the way up.

Smash Burgers Today—Why They’re Everywhere

Smash burgers are having a moment, and it’s no surprise why. They’re the best of both worlds: a throwback to old-school diner burgers with a modern-day flavor boost. Food trucks, pop-ups, and trendy burger joints are bringing the smash burger to the forefront, thanks to its nostalgic vibe and crazy-good taste. Whether you’re ordering out or smashing one at home, the smash burger’s crispy, juicy combo has everyone coming back for more.

The smash burger isn’t just a burger—it’s a whole vibe. With its crispy edges, juicy center, and flavor-packed crust, it’s in a league of its own. If you’re craving something classic yet next-level, a smash burger is where it’s at. So fire up the skillet, grab a spatula, and get ready to experience the burger that’s changing the game.

If you’re in the mood for a smash burger, find your nearest Smashburger location to eat the best burgers in town!

Why Smashburger Does It Best In Our (and Everyone with Great Taste’s) Humble Opinion

At Smashburger, we don’t just make burgers—we smash them to perfection. We know the secret to a great burger is in the crust, and we bring the heat every single time to deliver that crispy, juicy bite you dream about.

Our smash technique is the game changer. Whether you’re going classic or trying one of our signature creations, we’re bringing the bold regardless.

And even though we take care when making them we want you to eat like no one’s watching. You could say our burgers are meticulously crafted to be destroyed.

Order now and get a taste of what it means to be called a Smashburger.